Visit to Boulder, Part 2

April 11, 2013

Hello, friends! I have finally gotten through the rest of my pictures of Boulder and I cannot wait to share them with you! These are my favorite pictures because they show all of the scenic beauty we enjoyed while taking to the outdoors for various walks and hikes. My mom and I quickly realized that Boulder is such an active town, not just because of the easy access to so many great outdoor activities, but because there is so much good food you have to work it off somehow – and work it off we did! I have organized the pictures based on the location of our various adventures; so, here is Boulder, Part 2.

Walk #1: Boulder Creek – This was a fun little introductory walk we took on our first full day in town. My mom and I were amazed at how integrated Boulder Creek was to the heart of town, with countless walking and biking paths and trails for everyone to enjoy.

Mom and Sam posing on a cute bridge

Hike #1: Mt. Sanitas – This was a shorter hike I did with my brother and my mom. We didn’t go all the way up, but as you can see, my mom braved the trail like a champ. This hike also inspired the quote of the trip, which came from my mom, but considering it contains a choice curse-word or two, I’ll refrain from repeating it here. ;)

Just starting up the trail

My brother’s dog, Marley, is a pro on the trails

A view of Boulder

Like I said, a champ!

The clouds started rolling in and made us a little nervous…

…but it was still absolutely breathtaking!

Walk #2: The Res; i.e. Boulder Reservoir – This was a really nice, relaxing walk around the amazingly beautiful and scenic reservoir. We wanted a shorter walk since we were starting to get tired and also we had a big dinner planned for that night – Smokin’ Daves BBQ!

Posing on another bridge

I like signs that warn me of certain death ;)

Hike #2: Royal Arch, The Flatirons – This trail was the one my brother and I were most excited about because it was just the two of us and it was a bit of a butt-kicker. The Flatirons in Boulder are a pretty famous natural landmark so I was excited to be hiking up there… then the hike started. I am not going to lie, I was totally huffing and puffing and not just because of the elevation; it was steep! But it was so worth it, as you’ll hopefully see from the pictures.

At the very beginning of the trail…

I just want to point out that there were quite a few pictures taken between the start of the trail and the very top, but not many because I was too busy dying…. Okay, not really, but it was tough so I’m just skipping to the top because it’s pretty and I took better pictures on the way down… when I wasn’t busy dying. ;)

Tuh-dah! I made it to the top!

Yeah, that’s right, I climbed out to the edge!

Mr brother taking pictures of me – and yes, that’s Marley, I told you she was a champ!

The “underbelly” of the arch

That’s me, to give you an idea of scale – the arch was huge!

The other Flatirons

“Haven’t you ever seen a dog on a trail?! Let’s go!”

I was up there, under that arch! Whaaaaat?!

I had a good time, I guess… Nah, I’m just kidding, Boulder was amazing! I wish I could show you every picture and share every memory, but I think you’ll just have to make the trip and see for yourself! If you’re into the outdoors at all, or even just really good food, and are looking for a quirky, hippie-dippy kind of place to visit, check out Boulder, CO!